One more question__I moved to a new city and was under care regularily going to a dentist. When I went to the new dentist, I had new fillings and she replaced some older fillings. On one she said there was so much decay the molar has 50% filling now and I need a crown. I was blown away that I needed all this dental work when I had been given a clean bill of health for the past 2 years with my previous dentist. I was back in my old city and stopped by my older dentist. He recommended NOT putting a crown on that tooth. So my question is, would there be another more conservative restorative process other than getting a crown like an onlay / inlay. Should I wait until this filling needs replaced. I concerned me when she said she had to drill very deep. I am concerned that in the future, it's going to cause me more problems.

Again these are legitimate concerns and it is really difficult to give you an opinion. There are definitely more conservative ways of restoring teeth than crowns but that is at the discretion of the dentist. The amount of tooth structure that is present, where the tooth is, your bite etc.If this tooth has an extensive fiilling it certainly will need futher treatment in the future.When you decide to an inlay or crown placed is a topic for you and your dentist to discuss.

sometimes, when fillings are very big, crowns are placed to prevent fractures that might render the tooth non restorable. it's up to the dentist. if you are confued, you should get another opinion (or two) until you are confident.

1. They weaken teeth because the current hole (where your filling is) in your tooth has to be WIDENED to mke the inlay fit.

2. They CAUSE FRACTURES becasue they act as wedges to split teeth.

3. They (unless they are gold, which I doubt very much) need to be cemented with materials that make teeth very sensitive.

Be very careful. Dentists like to do inlays becasue they are expensive. Ask your dentist why the tooth needs work at all. Ask him to point out the decay to you on a film or with the use of an intraoral camera.
In my opinion, any tooth that "needs an inlay" can also be resored by directly placing a composite (same material as the inlay) in the tooth. This would prevent the need to widen the cavity preparation (hole) and would mean less drilling on healthy tooth structure.

4. Inlays DO NOT COVER TEETH. They are placed "IN" teeth (hence the name "inlay" and do not protect the tooth at all.

In my practice, if a tooth needs a restoration that involves a laboratory, it is practically always a crown or an onlay. If you were told that the existing filling is 50% of the tooth, and there is something wrong with that filling or there is decay, then in my opinion the tooth should be covered and protected, not weakened by placing another restoration IN" the tooth

1. They weaken teeth because the current hole (where your filling is) in your tooth has to be WIDENED to mke the inlay fit.

2. They CAUSE FRACTURES becasue they act as wedges to split teeth.

3. They (unless they are gold, which I doubt very much) need to be cemented with materials that make teeth very sensitive.

Be very careful. Dentists like to do inlays becasue they are expensive. Ask your dentist why the tooth needs work at all. Ask him to point out the decay to you on a film or with the use of an intraoral camera.
In my opinion, any tooth that "needs an inlay" can also be resored by directly placing a composite (same material as the inlay) in the tooth. This would prevent the need to widen the cavity preparation (hole) and would mean less drilling on healthy tooth structure.

4. Inlays DO NOT COVER TEETH. They are placed "IN" teeth (hence the name "inlay" and do not protect the tooth at all.

In my practice, if a tooth needs a restoration that involves a laboratory, it is practically always a crown or an onlay. If you were told that the existing filling is 50% of the tooth, and there is something wrong with that filling or there is decay, then in my opinion the tooth should be covered and protected, not weakened by placing another restoration IN" the tooth

okay. Thanks, I guess I was looking for options to help preserve my tooth. I have a lot of fillings and inlays seemed like a good idea. I had a bad gut feeling about the dentist who put in the fillings and was told she did a shoddy job on some of them. I was surprised that I needed all this work when my dentist in my old city sent me away with a clean bill of health for the last 3-4 appointments. I kinda of freaks me out to think that when these fillings need replacing there's not going to be much tooth left. I guess I thought that by getting inlays or onlays I could hopefully save myself from getting root canals and other more expensive procedures in the future. Since the filling was just put in it probably wont need replacing soon.

The Content on this Site is presented in a summary fashion, and is intended to be used for educational and entertainment purposes only. It is not intended to be and should not be interpreted as medical advice or a diagnosis of any health or fitness problem, condition or disease; or a recommendation for a specific test, doctor, care provider, procedure, treatment plan, product, or course of action. Med Help International, Inc. is not a medical or healthcare provider and your use of this Site does not create a doctor / patient relationship. We disclaim all responsibility for the professional qualifications and licensing of, and services provided by, any physician or other health providers posting on or otherwise referred to on this Site and/or any Third Party Site. Never disregard the medical advice of your physician or health professional, or delay in seeking such advice, because of something you read on this Site. We offer this Site AS IS and without any warranties. By using this Site you agree to the following Terms and Conditions. If you think you may have a medical emergency, call your physician or 911 immediately.